Evil Zone trudges its way into the realm of fighting games, armed with a slightly ridiculous story, 10 characters, and a fighting system that’s just a tad confusing—like your friends trying to explain the plot of Inception after a late-night gaming session. With its anime-inspired visuals and over-the-top characters, this game seeks to earn its spot among the fighting elite. But let’s see whether it brings the punches or wobbles like a marionette with a broken string.
The gameplay is like a dance, albeit one where the choreography was conceived during a fever dream. You’re thrown into a 3D arena where movements can be made forwards, backwards, and sideways—because who knew you needed so many options to poke your opponent in the face? With two main moves—attack and guard—players might find themselves longing for the good old days of just smashing buttons. Grappling exists, and it’s as awkward as trying to hug a cactus; you either succeed or you get hurt. Each character presents its unique moveset, including powerful ultra-attacks, or as they call them—the Moves That Will Probably Annoy Your Friends. The game does throw in a mechanic called a ‘Pressure Dash’ where two players can simultaneously dash at each other, triggering a frantic button-mash-off. May the fastest fingers win or at least whoever has had the most caffeine.
Graphically, Evil Zone is a mixed bag. The anime cutscenes are a visual delight—think of it as a slice of 90s nostalgia served on a plate of ‘Did they really think that looked good?’ The character models may seem a bit rough around the edges, like a diamond that lost its shine somewhere along the way, but they are certainly distinctive, helping you remember which weird character to pick next time. The backgrounds can shift from dull to surprisingly vibrant, which feels like a metaphor for how chaotic a high school anime episode can get in the best of ways.
In the end, Evil Zone is like a peculiar cousin at a family reunion—it stands out, you can't quite figure it out, and it’ll definitely elicit a range of emotions. While it may not dethrone the likes of Tekken or Street Fighter, its attempt at blending anime storytelling with a fighting game is commendable. If you’re into a game that's more about the quirky and the chaotic rather than precision and competition, then give Evil Zone a whirl. But for those expecting a super serious fighter, you might want to stick to those others… unless, of course, you seek the thrill of pushing buttons like it’s a high-stakes game show. In that case, welcome to the insanity—the Evil Zone is waiting for you!